🍺 Beer In Front — Episode 289 Wet February Begins, Brewery Closures, Zima Dreams & Barrel-Aged Beers Episode 289 kicks off with Dry January officially in the rearview mirror and Wet February underway. Host Dave Zalatoris reflects on dropping 10 pounds during January, the success of his non-drinking month, and a massive surge in YouTube growth—even without beer-heavy content. But it’s not all good news. Dave talks about troubling brewery closures in the Chicago area, urges listeners to support local breweries while they can, and dives headfirst into beer and beverage news from across the country. And yes… the quest to Get Dave a Zima is officially on. 🍻 This Episode Covers:

• Dry January results, weight loss, and keeping things balanced in Wet February
• Record-breaking YouTube growth and why non-beer content helped
• Chicago brewery closures, including Alarmist and Short Fuse Brewing
• Why supporting local breweries matters more than ever
• The nostalgia, history, and comeback attempts of Zima—and why Dave needs one now
• Beer and beverage news from around the country

📰 Beer & Beverage News Highlights:

• Short Fuse Brewing (IL) closing after 10 years due to lease and cost pressures
• Great Lakes Brewing teasing an Apple Pie variant of Eliot Ness
• Bell’s Brewery announcing Citrus Hopslam (10% ABV)
• Craft Maltsters Guild hosting an advanced malt production course at Montana State
• THC beverages arriving at Chicago’s United Center
• BeatBox Beverages layoffs following Anheuser-Busch acquisition
• New Voodoo Ranger x Invincible Blood Orange IPA
• Alesmith, Societe Brewing & Modern Monk Coffee collaboration
• Great American Beer Festival moving outdoors in Denver
• Yes… a beer brewed with bear scat (and Dave has thoughts)

🍺 Beer Reviews:

• Revolution Brewing – Deth Urana (Deep Wood Series)
  Barrel-aged imperial stout with cinnamon, coconut, and maple notes
  👉 Verdict: Put it in the cart immediately
• Firestone Walker – Double Barrel Ale (DBA)
  Oak-fermented classic celebrating Firestone Walker’s 30th anniversary
  👉 Verdict: Crushable, balanced, and outstanding

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🍻 Beer In Front – Episode 288 Guest: Kevin Waltermire, Co-Founder of Comma

Thanks to a listener assist, Episode 288 is stacked—from THC-infused non-alcoholic beer to industry news, Dry January reflections, and a pair of solid beer reviews to close things out. 🍺 🎙️ This Week’s Interview Dave is joined by Kevin Waltermire, co-founder of Comma, a THC-infused non-alcoholic beer brand built for people who love beer culture but want a different kind of buzz. What you’ll hear in the conversation:

• Why Comma focuses on “pauses” instead of quitting alcohol altogether
• How Comma differs from THC seltzers (spoiler: it’s actually brewed)
• The role of THC, CBD, and Lion’s Mane in creating a social, balanced experience
• Why Comma avoids shaming drinkers and embraces beer culture
• Where THC beverages fit into the future of craft beer
• Thoughts on regulation, age-gating, dosage limits, and synthetic THC
• What new beer styles (and even wine 👀) Comma is exploring next

🛒 Where to find Comma:

• Direct-to-consumer at enjoycomma.com
• Chicago area bottle shops including Garfield’s
• Alcohol-alternative retailers nationwide

📰 Beer & Beverage News

• A bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act could lower swipe fees for small businesses, including breweries
• Allagash Brewing Company announces a Maine Blueberry Ale coming this spring
• Boulevard Brewing Company releases a Dubai-style chocolate ale (13.5% ABV, limited availability)
• BuzzBallz launches a pink diamond engagement ring promo for Valentine’s Day
• Firestone Walker Brewing Company reveals the brewery lineup for the 2026 Firestone Walker Invitational (tickets on sale February 4)

🧃 Dry January Check-In

• Dave wraps up his final week of Dry January
• Down 7 pounds and feeling good heading into what promises to be a “wet February”

🍺 Beer Reviews Non-Alcoholic Review:

• Galaxy Ripple Imperial IPA from Best Day Brewing
  • 65 calories
  • West Coast-leaning bitterness with solid hop character
  • A standout NA option worth grabbing

Regular Beer Review:

• Farm to Fist Fresh Hop IPA from Revolution Brewing
  • 7.5% ABV
  • Centennial, Crystal, Amarillo & Comet hops
  • A must-buy for West Coast and fresh-hop fans

🍻 Final Thoughts From THC beverages and NA beer to fresh hop IPAs and industry policy, this episode hits a little bit of everything. Big thanks to Kevin Waltermire for the conversation—and as always… Sometimes the beer in front of you is the best one yet.

Enjoy Comma
Hemp Beverage Alliance


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Data, Dollars, and the Business of Beer (feat. Matt Gacioch, Brewers Association)
Host: Dave Zalatoris
Network: Beer Media Group

Craft beer isn’t just passion projects and taproom vibes — it’s big business. On Episode 287 of Beer In Front, Dave digs into the numbers, trends, and realities shaping today’s beer industry with Matt Gacioch, staff economist at the Brewers Association. From rising costs and tighter margins to non-alcoholic growth and why January is brutal for breweries, this episode takes a clear-eyed look at where craft beer stands in 2026 — and where it’s headed.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode The State of Craft Beer in 2026

• Why craft beer has shifted from “If you build it, they will come” to a Moneyball-style, data-driven industry
• What a “maturing market” actually means for breweries
• Why neighborhood taprooms and hospitality matter more than ever

Costs, Tariffs, and Tight Margins

• How aluminum, equipment tariffs, and inflation are squeezing breweries
• Why many breweries can’t raise prices without losing customers
• The looming impact of 10-year lease renewals from the 2010s boom

Closures vs. Openings: Context Matters

• Why more closures than openings sounds scarier than it really is
• The difference between individual brewery pain and industry-wide health
• Why shuttered brewery spaces are staying empty longer

What Business Models Are Working

• Why hyper-local, hospitality-focused breweries are holding up better
• How large regional craft breweries benefit from economies of scale
• Why distribution is harder — but not impossible — for new entrants

Non-Alcoholic & Low-ABV Beer Growth

• Why NA beer still has major runway
• The importance of occasion-based drinking
• How local breweries making NA versions of flagship beers could push the category forward

The Rise of the 19.2oz Stovepipe

• Why high-ABV stovepipes make sense in today’s economy
• Gen Z drinking myths vs. what the data actually shows

Surviving Dry January

• Why January is always the toughest month for breweries
• Programming, community, and creativity as survival tools
• Why breweries need to offer more than “just beer” in winter

Reasons for Optimism

• Craft beer’s role as a social connector
• Why community still wins — even in uncertain times
• Why beer isn’t a fad, and never has been

🍻 Beers Featured on the Show Beer In Front (NA Edition)

• NA Ninja vs. Unicorn – Pipeworks Brewing Company
  A standout non-alcoholic double IPA with real body, foam, and bitterness — proof that NA beer keeps getting better.

Additional Beer Review

• Turbo Reaper IPA – Three Floyds Brewing
  A West Coast-leaning IPA with bold can art, solid hop character, and easy availability (yes, even at Target).

📰 Beer & Beverage News Highlights

• Dos Equis brings back The Most Interesting Man in the World
• Goose Island announces a new barrel-aged stout 
• Ska Brewing enters the low-dose THC beverage space
• Dogfish Head collaborates with Survivor on a new IPA
• American Airlines adds Athletic Brewing NA beer to flights
• Sierra Nevada doubles down on sustainability
• Alarmist Brewing announces closure — a tough loss for Chicago beer

Brewers Association



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Episode 286 of Beer In Front covers a lot of ground, blending beer news, personal updates, product reviews, and a deeper look at the non-alcoholic beer category. Dave Zalatoris opens the show with a Dry January check-in, sharing progress so far—down 4.4 pounds thanks to more water, NA beers, and watching calories. While the scale is moving in the right direction, better sleep hasn’t followed yet, proving Dry January isn’t a cure-all, but it’s still paying off. The episode then dives into beer and beverage news from around the country. Highlights include Kishwaukee Brewing’s elderberry ale made with berries grown at McHenry County College, Goat Patch Brewing reopening the former Pikes Peak Brewing location, and several Denver-area events, including a Belgian beer documentary screening at Bruz Beers. Dave also shares excitement over Great Lakes Brewing expanding their Irish beer lineup, Troegs bringing back Nugget Nectar, Lakefront Brewery’s “My Turn” blueberry peach lager, and Firestone Walker celebrating 30 years with anniversary releases and a refreshed mix pack. A major segment of the episode focuses on the rise of non-alcoholic beer, with a history and perspective on Athletic Brewing Company. Founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and brewer John Walker, Athletic helped redefine the NA category by limiting alcohol creation during brewing instead of stripping it out later. Dave explains how Athletic became the dominant NA brand, why their early success mattered, and why drinkers shouldn’t overlook other breweries now producing excellent non-alcoholic options. Later, Peggy returns to review a THC beverage from Wynk, the Black Cherry Fizz. With zero calories, zero sugar, and a balanced 5mg THC / 5mg CBD dose, it earns a strong recommendation as an approachable alcohol alternative. Dave wraps things up with a non-alcoholic beer review of Sierra Nevada’s Trail Pass Hazy IPA—big, dank aroma up front, but solid citrus and fruit flavor in the glass.

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Dry January Doesn’t Mean Ditching Your Local Brewery Happy New Year! I kick off 2026 with a Dry January check-in and a reminder that taking a break from alcohol doesn’t mean abandoning your favorite breweries — especially during one of the toughest months of the year. I'll share smart, simple ways to support breweries without drinking, including buying merch and gift cards, ordering NA beers or hop waters, showing up for events, grabbing food, leaving reviews, and being the designated driver for friends. The episode also touches on the most unexpected beer news of the week: the Pop-Tarts Bowl, complete with beer and pastry pairings. Plus, I went down a tech rabbit hole after testing ChatGPT’s ability to generate a Midwest-style hazy IPA recipe — raising the question of whether AI should ever play a role in brewing. 🍻 Beer Reviews

• Sierra Nevada Trail Pass Golden (NA) – Looks the part but falls flat on flavor.
• Central Waters Rift IPA – A well-balanced, flavorful IPA with great hop character and a clean finish.

As always, I'll wrap things up by encouraging listeners to keep showing up for local breweries — pint or no pint.  Sometimes the beer in front of you is the best one yet.

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Beer Media Group

In the final episode of 2025, I'll go solo to recap a packed year for Beer In Front. From major beer news and industry trends to podcast milestones, festival highlights, and standout beers, this episode ties a big holiday bow on everything that made 2025 memorable. Plus, I'll crack open a couple of seasonal favorites and reflects on how beer content—and attention spans—continue to evolve.

          Featured Beers

• Pollyanna Brewing – Fireside Gap (Winter IPA, 5.8%)
  A darker, old-school West Coast-style IPA with a great malt-hop balance. 
• Great Lakes Brewing – Christmas Ale (7.5%)
  A holiday classic brewed with honey and spices—22 years strong and still delivering

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Beer Media Group

Today’s guest is one of the true originals of American beer education — Marty Nachel. Marty is an award-winning author, longtime beer educator, and Certified Beer Judge who has spent more than 30 years helping people understand and appreciate beer. Marty has a new book out now titled The Beer Story Project available now for any beer lover on your holiday gift list. Marty brings a wealth of knowledge and a down-to-earth passion that makes beer accessible to everyone.

The Beer Story Project

American Craft Beer Hall Of Fame



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In Episode 282 of Beer in Front, I'll bring you a festive, gift-focused edition of the show—perfect for the beer lover on your holiday shopping list (even if that person is you). I'll also break down the latest beer and beverage industry news, highlight friends of the show doing great work, and taste through a pair of holiday beers to round out the episode.

🎁 Holiday Gift Ideas for Beer Lovers Dave spotlights a collection of beer-centric gifts from friends of the show—none of which benefit him directly (with one exception clearly noted). They’re great ways to support independent creators and small businesses in the craft beer world.

👕 Radcraft Apparel

• “Pilsner is for Perfectionists” and other beer-forward shirts.
• Proceeds support Western North Carolina Hurricane Relief.
• Stylish, fun, and for a good cause.

📚 Final Gravity Zine & Pairing Beer and Chocolate – by David Nilsen

• A thoughtful and delicious guide to matching beer with chocolate.

Flights Across America – by Joel Geier

• A beer travel essential featuring 1,000+ breweries across the U.S.

The Beer Story Project – by Marty Nachel

• A newly released collection of beer stories from a great writer and friend of the show.

🍃 Beyond Alcohol: THC & N/A Options THC beverages (KickFizz, Shine On)

• For those who want something different this holiday season.

Five Corners Beverage (Chicago)

• Standout non-alcoholic mixers like Salted Lemonade and the new Sangrita
  (citrus, tomato, chili powder—and even Dave, a tomato-juice skeptic, is a fan).

🧪 After-Alcohol Wellness: Last Call

• A legit, science-based option to help you feel better the next morning.
• Dave used it during FoBAB and woke up “like a champion.”

🍺 Go Brewing (N/A Beer) — Affiliate Link

• Dave’s favorite non-alcoholic brewery.
• Perfect for Dry January.
• This is the only recommendation where Dave receives support via an affiliate link.

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This week on Beer In Front, I’m shining a spotlight on a style that refuses to die quietly: the Black IPA. Once a cult favorite, then a near-extinct curiosity, the Black IPA is suddenly popping up again in breweries across the country — and I couldn’t be happier to see its comeback. In this episode, we dig into where the style came from, why it faded away, and why it deserves a spot back in your regular rotation.
I'll have the fantastic Wookey Jack from Firestone Walker, and have local Illinois ones from Midwest Coast and Half Acre!



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In Episode 280, I'll chat with David Nilsen—award-winning author, Certified Cicerone®, educator, and one of the sharpest voices in beer media. We'll dig deep into:

• The inspiration behind Final Gravity, David’s human-centered beer zine
• Why beer and chocolate make such powerful (and surprising) pairing partners
• The origins of David’s passion for craft beer
• The growing world of craft chocolate
• How breweries are navigating today’s shifting beer industry
• Dayton’s underrated and walkable beer scene
• Holiday pairing tips that anyone can try at home

I'll also share Thanksgiving beer pairing tips, cover the week’s big beer news, and close the show with a live beer-and-chocolate pairing using a Belgian Triple from Bruz Beers and chocolate from Chicago’s own Vosges.

David Nilsen
Bean To Barstool
Final Gravity




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